New Cross Border Links Boosts Local Economies
October 19, 2016
Trade, economic prosperity, civic linkages and maintaining cross border links were top of the agenda during a recent visit to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council from Cork County Council.
A high powered delegation from Ireland's largest County, met local politicians including the Mayor and Chairman of Development Committee to discuss how the two councils could work together on future initiatives to strengthen economic and civic linkages on a cross border basis.
Over the past six weeks the partnership between the two Council’s has flourished as each Council has led reciprocal cross border trade missions, which included a total of 32 companies along with civic representatives, fifteen Businesses from Lisburn Castlereagh visited Cork in September with seventeen businesses from Cork coming North this week. The two Councils worked with Intertrade Ireland to facilitate one to one business meetings across a wide range of sectors including, food, manufacturing, transportation and ICT, with initial feedback indicating new orders and deals already done as a direct result.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, welcoming the Cork delegation to Lagan Valley Island, said: “The Council was delighted to host the Cork delegation, and there is no doubt the potential of developing further links with Cork County Council in unlimited, not just through the obvious trade and business links, but also the scope to foster relationships across the wider economy and community for the benefit of the City as a whole. ‘
Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee, added: “There are a lot of synergies between the Councils and I am delighted to be part of the work currently underway to develop future projects which can lead to long-term business and tourism opportunities being developed between the two council areas. The importance of cross border trade cannot be forgotten in the forthcoming UK exit from the EU, and I’m glad to say that both Councils are one step ahead in terms of maintaining these vital cross border links, and ensuring local businesses in both areas continue to successfully trade across the border.
Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Chair of the Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee of Cork County Council and deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, thanked the Mayor and representatives of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council saying “We received a wonderful welcome in Lisburn and Castlereagh and Cork County Council looks forward to further engagement and development of long terms links with this part of Northern Ireland.”
Mr. Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council added: “There are significant opportunities for businesses, based in both locations, to develop trade links which can only benefit all. Both Councils can look forward to co-operation and knowledge sharing on a variety of projects and issues.”